Dances of Vice: A Journey into Outer Darkness
In a city known for its nightlife, Dances of Vice stands apart as a realm of heightened fantasy and ritual where the boundaries of art, theater, and nightlife dissolve. This past Halloween, Dances of Vice brought Outer Darkness to Bushwick—a night where occult, fetishism, and surrealism converged into an unforgettable experience.
Founded by Shien Lee, Dances of Vice first took shape in New York’s Lower East Side, drawing on Lee’s fascination with ritualistic theater, fetish, and historical aesthetics. The events quickly developed a cult following, attracting artists, performers, and creative mavericks who reveled in the liberty of immersive fantasy. These gatherings became known as an intersection of theater and nightlife, where guests became part of a surrealistic world inspired by historical decadence, occult rituals, and avant-garde aesthetics. Dances of Vice led a revival of cabaret-inspired nightlife experiences and garnered international acclaim as an experiential architect of provocative, thematic events.
What makes Dances of Vice unique is its approach to fantasy and art as gateways for self-expression. Over the years, it has built an inclusive community that connects through a shared love of aesthetic and spiritual liberation. Each event, whether inspired by the elegance of the Edwardian era or the grittiness of noir, is meticulously curated, encouraging participants to embrace personas that dissolve everyday boundaries, allowing them to explore different facets of their identity.
This year’s Halloween event, Outer Darkness, exemplified the distinct allure of Dances of Vice. Taking over 70 Scott Ave in Bushwick, Outer Darkness wove together elements of the occult and the erotic, leading guests into a meticulously designed environment where every element—from lighting to sound—conveyed a world apart from reality. Enigmatic avatars led the way through shibari demonstrations, cirque performances, and ritualistic drag, offering attendees a theatrical journey filled with hypnotic beats and dark allure.
Guests at Outer Darkness weren’t mere spectators; they were participants in a night crafted to celebrate the unknown and the carnal. The night extended beyond the main venue to the Red Pavilion, where a BDSM dungeon offered dual-ticket holders a more intimate space of exploration. With tools of sensual transcendence and additional performances, this second venue added layers of depth, inviting guests to confront their boundaries within a liberating environment.
For over a decade, Dances of Vice has embraced the provocative, giving rise to a movement in nightlife that values immersive experiences, artistic exploration, and liberated self-expression. These gatherings transcend the ordinary, inviting guests into worlds that celebrate not only the fantasy but the human urge for connection and creativity. Through experiences like Outer Darkness, Dances of Vice continues to empower its community to step into the surreal and embrace their inner provocateurs, making each night a celebration of art, fantasy, and the freedom of self-discovery.
